Tuesday, September 16, 2014

The Fashion of Unexpected Findings - Part 1

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Hi and welcome to the book blog tour for Unexpected Findings: 50+ Clever Jewelry Designs Featuring Everyday Components
iconby Michelle Mach. Yesterday, Michelle kicked off the blog tour with her post here. Today, the tour stops with me and my jewelry gal pal, Lorelei Eurto. I'm incredibly grateful to Michelle for inviting me to contribute projects to her first baby...I mean, book! :) I'm extremely passionate about jewelry books, myself. I own many in my personal library. I have a prized collection of author signed books that are particularly special to me and I have even written a few of my own jewelry-making books. I consider it the highest honor to be a part of a book in any way, shape or form.

Michelle's book focuses on non-traditional uses for regular, everyday jewelry findings. I thought this idea was so creative, playful and exciting when I first heard about it, but at the same time, I felt completely challenged by the whole concept! I was nervous and a little bit scared. It's not everyday that I'm using conventional jewelry components outside of their intended purpose. The idea is pretty revolutionary. It is such a different way of thinking and approaching jewelry design. Everything I had ever known about components had to be turned on it's head, sometimes literally.

The pressure was on. Was I creative enough to come up with compelling projects for this book? Would I be able to use the findings in a unique way and still deliver a piece of jewelry that was beautiful, stylish and wearable all within the coming deadline??? Yikes! Sounds like a tall order to me, but I was more than determined to be a part of Michelle's vision for her book any way that I could. There was no doubt about that. I was up for the challenge. I racked my brain for ideas. I dedicated much of my time and energy. I'll be honest, I worked my tushie off on the projects for this book and I could not be prouder of the results!

My Jewelry Projects:

It's a little tough to talk about Michelle's book without mentioning the clever use of jewelry findings and the innovative ideas. That is what the book is about, of course, but I want to focus on a different angel. I'm going to be highlighting the fashionable aspects of the finished jewelry projects as a whole. I'm lucky enough to have 5 designs published in Michelle's book. I'm sharing 4 out of those 5 with you here. The fifth one I'll leave as a surprise! I created stylish pieces that I absolutely love and would wear myself everyday. My jewelry is always fashion-driven. That's what I'm passionate about. That's what's exciting to me and that's what motivates me to create.

Making a jewelry piece that merely uses a finding in a clever way would never do. It has to be fashion-forward with wear-ability and quality in mind. So, with that fashion focus, I thought it would be a fun idea to present my designs from the book along with clothes and accessories to show you how I would style them and reinforce the look and inspiration I had in mind when I created each piece of jewelry. Each of the four looks represents a particular fashion season and/or a fashion style that I love to express and wear.

Vintage-Inspired Spring:
Inspired by a favorite vintage gift shop, I created "Sadie's Secret". A romantic and feminine necklace you can't help but feel pretty in. Plus, it holds a quick-change secret! Tear drop pearls, vintage rose waxed linen cord, seed beads and antiqued brass come together to create this elegant look. The outfit I pulled together to pair with the necklace evokes a soft feeling of the past with fresh, modern style. Light pink colored jeans and lace blouse from Anthropologie.com.

Playful Summer:
Inspired by the free-spirited and playful nature of Summertime, I created "Fiesta". A fun and colorful wrap necklace or bracelet. A versatile piece. It can be worn long, doubled up or wrapped around the wrist several times. Bright, beaded silk tassel dangles dance around a strap of leather lace. This relaxed, Summer outfit makes me feel good. It makes me smile and all I can think of is sunshine and fun! Tote bag and Maxi dress from LuckyBrand.com.

Bohemian Autumn:
Inspired by an October trip to Vermont, I created, "Leaves of Gold". An eclectic, bohemian statement necklace. This piece reminds me of giant green mountains dotted with gold and orange trees against a bright blue sky. With wooden beads, multiple strands of seed beads, sodalite and gold leaf dangles knotted on orange waxed linen cord, it's the perfect Fall statement. This outfit makes me long for leaf peeping and pumpkin lattes. Skirted sweater and suede booties from Anthropologie.com.

 Any Season, Southwest Style:
Inspired by the growing leather jewelry trend and my love for classic Southwest looks, I created, "Westward Bound". A pair of leather fringe statement earrings. Coral red, turquoise and leather lace bring together the timeless elements of the Southwest. This outfit satisfies my urge to channel my inner cowgirl. Riding boots and print top from Sundance.com.

I hope you have enjoyed this peek into Michelle's book. Please join me again later for PART 2 of this post where I hope to feature more fashion-forward jewelry designs by some of the other talented book contributors. So many fabulous projects in Unexpected Findings by my fellow designers. I have quite a few favorites. I can't wait to highlight them here on my blog and tell you why I love them and what makes them hot jewelry designs for today's fashion trends. Stay tuned for that!

Thank you for stopping by today as we celebrate the launch of Michelle Mach's book, Unexpected Findings: 50+ Clever Jewelry Designs Featuring Everyday Components
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What would a party or celebration be without gifts? Leave a comment here on this post for a chance to win some fabulous giveaway prizes from the book's author, Michelle Mach!

Unexpected Findings Giveaway Prizes:
 
Grand Prize: $50 Etsy Gift Card to be used at any Etsy shop where gift cards are excepted!

First Prize: Fun with Findings Kit. Everything pictured above, plus more!
Second Prize: An "Unexpected" Mystery Pack of Findings from Michelle. (No photo. It's a surprise!)

The giveaway is open to all visitors except the book's contributors and author. Contributors and author are welcome (and encouraged!) to comment, but won't be entered in the drawing.

One comment per person per blog post for a maximum of eight chances to win if you visit and comment on all eight book-related posts during the September 15-19, 2014 period.

We'd love for you to help us spread the word on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. No extra entries, but lots of good karma!

Michelle will contact the winners by email this weekend (Sept. 20-21) and post the winners to her blog next week (Sept. 23). Remember to leave an email address in your comment for her to contact you, if you win.

Blog Tour Schedule - September 15-19, 2014

Monday, Sept. 15
Michelle Mach

Tuesday, Sept. 16
Lorelei Eurto
Erin Siegel - YOU ARE HERE.

Wednesday, Sept. 17
Cindy Wimmer
Erin Prais-Hintz

Thursday, Sept. 18
Andrew Thornton

Friday, Sept. 19
Denise Yezbak Moore
Molly Schaller

Thanks for checking out Unexpected Findings: 50+ Clever Jewelry Designs Featuring Everyday Components
iconHave fun hopping this week! Be sure to check in to Michelle's Blog next week to see who won the random drawing!

Disclosure: If you make a purchase of the book via the links I have provided in this post, I will receive a small amount of Interweave affiliate credit. Thank you!! 

53 comments:

  1. I love the vibrancy of your designs and I am looking forward to seeing more designs from the book and looking at regular findings from an unusual point of view

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  2. Loved all of your designs in the book Erin!

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  3. cant wait to see the book in person . love the idea of using findings in an atypical way.
    would love to win a prize.
    my fave necklace is the teardrop pearls -Sadie's Secret
    deb4tin @ gmail dot com

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  4. Your pieces are so bright and fun! Love anything paired with boots. Thank you for the chance to win. Anxious for the book to come out.

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  5. Love your designs Erin, and can't wait to ay my hands on a copy of the book to see them in more detail! (melissa_trudinger at yahoo dot com)

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  6. I love all your designs and they pair perfectly with the style items you chose! I can't wait to see this book!

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  7. Thank you, Erin! It was great to work with you again. I love how you paired your jewelry with fashion ideas. The knotting on your Sadie's Secret necklace was so clever and well done. I think readers will love seeing the bigger photo of that project in the book!

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  8. Great designs Erin. Thanx for a chance to win some inspiring findings.

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  9. Congratulations on being included in this terrific book. I'm not surprised, as creative as your pieces are. Thanks for the contest, too. Mitzie@ NeedfulLuxuries. Com

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  10. I love those earrings. Great idea.
    phandschuh@hotmail.com

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  11. This looks like a great book with some beautiful jewelry. Congratulations on being part of it.
    maria.hutzler@gmail.com

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  12. I would wear ALL these beauts year-round, Erin! Especially the amazing earrings :)

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  13. Sounds like such a very interesting book and I would love to have it. I especially like your Sadie's Secret necklace design. Thanks for such a great opportunity to win such great prizes. Lynn Carling (lecarling@verizon.net)

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  14. What a wonderful book, and collection of giveaways! Thanks so much for this opportunity, and for sharing about the book. Have a great week! Debra - djdesign@triad.rr.com

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    1. Thanks for sharing this post I really like this information very much. I am waiting for new post here please keep it up.
      Hair Accessories

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  15. Your work always intrigues me and these are no exception. That one with the bail leaves is my fave in the whole book! There was a lot of 'wow, I never would have thought of THAT!' when I flipped through the pages and now I know that I will never look at that pile o' findings left on my work table again in the same way! Looking forward to part two! Enjoy the day. Erin

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  16. I love your designs - they are always so forward-thinking. Thanks for the chance to win. --Denise (mccabedenise@yahoo.com)

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  17. Hi Miss Erin: I love that you paired all your designs with clothing. I plan to try the leather/ suede fringe earrings. Very cool!
    Louise G; want2bead at yahoo dot com

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  18. These are such striking designs! My favorite is Sadie's Secret. Congratulations on the book, and thanks for offering this giveaway! (jewelsforthejourney@gmail.com)

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  20. I love that lime green necklace. The green mixed with the wood tones is amazing. (kmp133@yahoo.com)

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  21. Love your multi-strand pieces! This looks like a great book :)

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  22. I am in love with your designs (as always) and I want it know that I blame you for my love of waxed linen. Please enter me in the drawing.

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  23. Your designs are fabulous (as always) and I love how you styled them. Great book!

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  24. Congrats. Interesting designs in your contributions. Looks like a great book

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  25. Erin, your designs are fabulous. I even forgot what the challenge was ( using findings unexpectedly). You have a wonderful fashion sense. I can't wait to see this book! Please add me to the giveaway. wirednan13(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  26. Congrats on being part of this book! I can't wait to get my hands on the whole thing!

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  27. More great designs. Bravo on being selected as a contributor!

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  28. I like how you showed your inspiration for your creations.

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  29. I adore how you used leather in these pieces. The earrings are simply perfect, though I have my eye on that fiesta necklace! Amazing as always. :)

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  30. Congrats on your contributions to Michelle's new book. Your designs are always so cool Erin, and I really love how you've paired them with some of today's hottest fashion trends here in your post. I see these designs as classics that will weather the trends and be wearable for years to come!

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  31. Erin, I just love this post. Leave it to you to think out of the book tour box and create such a great fashion + jewelry post. I am so grateful to contribute to Michelle's book along with you and the other designers that I admire. It is so exciting to see Michelle's book come to life and savor it page by page. I turn the page and think, "oh this is my favorite!" then the next and the next because all of the projects are just so inspiring. I wouldn't have dreamed up the many uses for the findings myself! Sure makes me look at my components in a whole new way. And like may of the comments here - I too would wear any of your projects in a heartbeat - from the southwestern fringe earrings to the elegant, multi-strand necklaces. Your Leave of Gold necklace is so clever and complicated-looking, it blows my mind. Sadie's Secret is incredibly beautiful...I wonder if I could tackle that project and make one for myself (I want it!)? Thanks for sharing your special talent, Erin! :-)

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  32. Looks like an innovative book. I loved your post, Erin. You are so clever, and your work is lovely and fun. The addition of fashion pics was nice. Such creative designers are contributing. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  33. Wow, not sure if I have a favorite, Erin! They are all so captivating and how clever to assemble them in fashion layouts. Gives you a whole new perspective of how each piece will look when worn. Congrats! - look forward to adding this book to my library.

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  34. I love how you showed the inspiration for your pieces! They are wonderful and I can't wait to get a hold of the book and see your 5th piece! Thanks for the chance to win some great prizes!

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  35. Love the inspiration behind the pieces! I can not wait to read this book!

    karenra1@cox.net

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  36. You should be proud of your hard work as it has certainly paid off. Wonderful post...wonderful designs...wonderful book!

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  37. What gorgeous designs Erin! I especially love "leaves of gold" - what a stunner! The earrings are also fabulous. I like how you used multi-strand connectors in those. I enjoyed reading about your inspirations and seeing your design boards, very fun! Thanks for inspiring us!

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  38. It is a pleasure to see your creative designs. You definitely have an eye for fashion.
    Ana
    acbeads(at)gmail(dot)com

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  39. I love the green in the autumn bohemian, though all of them are wonderful.

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  40. This book looks like it's going to be so awesome, and your designs absolutely prove that point. I like your spin on revealing this for the seasons. Looking forward to seeing the whole thing and your part 2.

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  41. What a fun book idea! Love your clever tricks and I'm sure this is full of them! (jillimarsh at gmail dot com)

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  42. The book looks wonderful. I would love to win it.

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  43. Congrats Erin! Love how you paired the jewelry with the outfits. :)

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  44. SO COOL!!! I love that autumn inspired one (didn't you post a pic on FB with you modeling it? Just Fab!)...

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  45. Your contributions to the book are so colorful and playful! very nice!

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  46. I really like them all but especially the green and brown necklace. Can't wait to see the other project in the book.
    sarahocreations@gmail.com

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  47. Erin, as I recently told Lorelei, one of my favorite parts of reading the book was going through a first pass and seeing if I could identify the designer before I saw her name. I admit that I occasionally get your designs and Lorelei's swapped, but I did alright! Your color choices are so inspiring and gutsy. I love them!
    Have a lovely day!
    Molly

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  48. LOVE the southwestern fringy earrings...gotta try this idea. Consider yourself pinned!(bkohlhase@hotmail.com)

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  49. Wonderful contributions, what a great book. Love your earrings designs!

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  50. Just love your work. Excellent idea of pairing with outfits. Fantastic! Being from Tucson, I just love your "Westward Bound" earrings! Well done!

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  51. I know the giveaway is over I just wanted to tell you how beautiful all the projects look.

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  52. I like the brown boots.

    the-renaissance-of-inner-fashion.blogspot.co.uk

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